Canada
Europe and Mediterranean: Paris & Normandy Cruise
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
A journey steeped in wonder. Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Richard the Lionheart’s Chateau Gaillard, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches. Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a choice to tour two majestic palaces, Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, or Château de Malmaison, once home to Napoleon’s first empress, Josephine.
True All-Inclusive Boutique River Cruising™
All gratuities for onboard services
Unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits and nonalcoholic beverages**
Shore excursions with local experts as your guide
Internet and Wi-Fi
All arrival and departure day transfers
Executive Member Benefit
Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases
Receive a $50 shipboard credit per person (maximum $100 per stateroom)♦
Digital Costco Shop Card
Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Uniworld river cruise†
Sailing Itinerary
Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.
Day 1
Bordeaux
Overview
Visit a bottle of wine. It’s no secret. That’s what Bordeaux is known for and how you’ll likely spend your time in the world’s largest, premium wine district – savoring the wine and the sights. Bordeaux has long been synonymous with fine wines. Situated in the southwest of France in a graceful crescent along a bend in the Garonne River, you’ll find the region that delivers the full-bodied beverages known the world over. Connected to the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean by the Gironde River (so wide it appears to be an inlet), the inland port of Bordeaux has been an important trading center since before the Roman era. (The city was founded in 3rd century BC by a Celtic tribe.) Bordeaux became incredibly prosperous during the 18th century, when the city was France’s most important port, and a hub for trade to and from the New World. Though its shipping industry has since declined, Bordeaux continues to be a regional transportation center, and its good fortune continues today with wine exports totaling the equivalent of nearly $10 billion US dollars each year. It was the Romans – not the French – who planted the first grape vines along the Garonne River in the 1st century BC. Wine became the life-blood of the region early on, and in many ways still is. Peak wine production in the 13th century produced export numbers that were not exceeded until the 1950s! The Bordeaux region is one of the largest purveyors of wine in the world, producing over half a billion bottles a year – more than 50% of France’s output. Area vineyards stretch to cover over 520 square miles producing wine that’s shipped to over 160 countries worldwide. No doubt, you’ve sampled more than a few of those bottles. Most of us have. But there is more to Bordeaux than wine. Most business and commercial areas are centered in the relatively small 18th century downtown area. The buildings that line the quays present stunning examples of the architecture of the Siecle des Lumieres, the Century of Enlightenment. The Place de la Bourse typifies this elegant style, with its slate roof, lower level arcades, and carved faces adorning the keystones of the arches. You can also visit the nearby Palais Gallien, a ruined Roman amphitheater; the Grand Theatre, the inspiration for the famed Paris Opera House; and the Musee des Beaux Arts, which features an impressive collection of French paintings. But art and architecture are not the only things the French do well. Gourmet dining is a specialty here, so be sure to indulge in a grand dinner with a fine regional wine. Gourmet shopping, of course, goes hand in hand with dining so take a stroll down the Rue Sainte Catherine, Porte Dijeaux, and the Course de Il’intendance, where you’ll find fresh foie gras, truffles, fine cheeses, and a broad selection of wines to enjoy right here or take home for later.
Day 2
Cadillac
Overview
Cadillac is a commune in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in southwestern France. Cadillac is directly across the Garonne river from Sauternes, and is known for producing sweet dessert wines under the Cadillac AOC designation. Cadillac was founded in 1280 to serve as a river port for the castle of Benauges by the lord of the castle, Jean I de Grailly. Cadillac is the home of the imposing Château des Ducs d'Épernon. The name of the commune was adopted by Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, the founder of Detroit and Governor of Louisiana, on his arrival to what is now the United States. The Cadillac division of General Motors, and Cadillac, Michigan are named after him.
Day 3
Pauillac
Overview
The largest town in the Medoc wine region, Pauillac, located on the Gironde River, is home to three of the top five Grand Crus. The Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Chateau Latour can be visited by appointment; arrangements may be made directly through the wineries or by contacting the tourist office. From mid-July to mid-August, the tourist office offers free wine tasting one evening per week, featuring wines from 15 local chateaux.
Day 4
Port de Blaye
Overview
Blaye is a commune and subprefecture in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in southwestern France. Blaye is located on the right bank of the Gironde estuary (which is some 3 km (1.9 mi) wide at this point), close to the A10 autoroute, 56 km (35 mi) north of Bordeaux. There is a rail line with occasional freight trains, but no passenger services. A small ferry crosses the Gironde to Lamarque, in Medoc. In ancient times Blaye (Blavia) was a port of the Santones. Tradition states that the Frankish hero Roland was buried in its basilica, which was on the site of the citadel. It was early an important stronghold which played an important part in the wars against the English (who burnt it in 1352) and the French Wars of Religion (when it was the site of a Spanish naval victory in 1593). The duchess of Berry was imprisoned in its fortress in 1832-1833. The town was formerly named Blaye-et-Sainte-Luce and was renamed Blaye in June 1961. The town has a citadel built by Vauban on a rock beside the river, and embracing in its ancient ruins of an old Gothic château. The latter contains the tomb of Charibert II, king of Aquitaine, and son of Clotaire II. Blaye is also defended by the Fort Paté on an island in the river and the Fort Médoc on its left bank, both of the 17th century. The citadel of Blaye, its city walls, the Fort Paté and the Fort Médoc (the latter in nearby Cussac-Fort-Médoc) were listed in 2008 as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as part of the "Fortifications of Vauban" group.
Day 5
Libourne
Overview
Libourne (Gascon Liborna) is a commune in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the wine-making capital of northern Gironde and lies near Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. In 1270, Leybornia was founded as a bastide by Roger de Leybourne (of Kent), an English seneschal of Gascony, under the authority of King Edward I of England. It suffered considerably in the struggles of the French and English for the possession of Gironde in the 14th century, and joined France in the 15th century. The Gothic church, restored in the 19th century, has a stone spire 232 ft (71 m) high. On the quay there is a machicolated clock-tower which is a survival of the defensive walls of the 14th century; and the town-house, containing a small museum and a library, is a quaint relic of the 16th century. It is located by the main square, the Place Abel Surchamp, which hosts every week end one of the largest fresh food market in the region. There is a statue of Élie, duc Decazes, who was born in the neighborhood.
Day 6
Libourne
Overview
Libourne (Gascon Liborna) is a commune in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the wine-making capital of northern Gironde and lies near Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. In 1270, Leybornia was founded as a bastide by Roger de Leybourne (of Kent), an English seneschal of Gascony, under the authority of King Edward I of England. It suffered considerably in the struggles of the French and English for the possession of Gironde in the 14th century, and joined France in the 15th century. The Gothic church, restored in the 19th century, has a stone spire 232 ft (71 m) high. On the quay there is a machicolated clock-tower which is a survival of the defensive walls of the 14th century; and the town-house, containing a small museum and a library, is a quaint relic of the 16th century. It is located by the main square, the Place Abel Surchamp, which hosts every week end one of the largest fresh food market in the region. There is a statue of Élie, duc Decazes, who was born in the neighborhood.
Day 7
Bordeaux
Overview
Visit a bottle of wine. It’s no secret. That’s what Bordeaux is known for and how you’ll likely spend your time in the world’s largest, premium wine district – savoring the wine and the sights. Bordeaux has long been synonymous with fine wines. Situated in the southwest of France in a graceful crescent along a bend in the Garonne River, you’ll find the region that delivers the full-bodied beverages known the world over. Connected to the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean by the Gironde River (so wide it appears to be an inlet), the inland port of Bordeaux has been an important trading center since before the Roman era. (The city was founded in 3rd century BC by a Celtic tribe.) Bordeaux became incredibly prosperous during the 18th century, when the city was France’s most important port, and a hub for trade to and from the New World. Though its shipping industry has since declined, Bordeaux continues to be a regional transportation center, and its good fortune continues today with wine exports totaling the equivalent of nearly $10 billion US dollars each year. It was the Romans – not the French – who planted the first grape vines along the Garonne River in the 1st century BC. Wine became the life-blood of the region early on, and in many ways still is. Peak wine production in the 13th century produced export numbers that were not exceeded until the 1950s! The Bordeaux region is one of the largest purveyors of wine in the world, producing over half a billion bottles a year – more than 50% of France’s output. Area vineyards stretch to cover over 520 square miles producing wine that’s shipped to over 160 countries worldwide. No doubt, you’ve sampled more than a few of those bottles. Most of us have. But there is more to Bordeaux than wine. Most business and commercial areas are centered in the relatively small 18th century downtown area. The buildings that line the quays present stunning examples of the architecture of the Siecle des Lumieres, the Century of Enlightenment. The Place de la Bourse typifies this elegant style, with its slate roof, lower level arcades, and carved faces adorning the keystones of the arches. You can also visit the nearby Palais Gallien, a ruined Roman amphitheater; the Grand Theatre, the inspiration for the famed Paris Opera House; and the Musee des Beaux Arts, which features an impressive collection of French paintings. But art and architecture are not the only things the French do well. Gourmet dining is a specialty here, so be sure to indulge in a grand dinner with a fine regional wine. Gourmet shopping, of course, goes hand in hand with dining so take a stroll down the Rue Sainte Catherine, Porte Dijeaux, and the Course de Il’intendance, where you’ll find fresh foie gras, truffles, fine cheeses, and a broad selection of wines to enjoy right here or take home for later.
Day 8
Bordeaux
Overview
Visit a bottle of wine. It’s no secret. That’s what Bordeaux is known for and how you’ll likely spend your time in the world’s largest, premium wine district – savoring the wine and the sights. Bordeaux has long been synonymous with fine wines. Situated in the southwest of France in a graceful crescent along a bend in the Garonne River, you’ll find the region that delivers the full-bodied beverages known the world over. Connected to the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean by the Gironde River (so wide it appears to be an inlet), the inland port of Bordeaux has been an important trading center since before the Roman era. (The city was founded in 3rd century BC by a Celtic tribe.) Bordeaux became incredibly prosperous during the 18th century, when the city was France’s most important port, and a hub for trade to and from the New World. Though its shipping industry has since declined, Bordeaux continues to be a regional transportation center, and its good fortune continues today with wine exports totaling the equivalent of nearly $10 billion US dollars each year. It was the Romans – not the French – who planted the first grape vines along the Garonne River in the 1st century BC. Wine became the life-blood of the region early on, and in many ways still is. Peak wine production in the 13th century produced export numbers that were not exceeded until the 1950s! The Bordeaux region is one of the largest purveyors of wine in the world, producing over half a billion bottles a year – more than 50% of France’s output. Area vineyards stretch to cover over 520 square miles producing wine that’s shipped to over 160 countries worldwide. No doubt, you’ve sampled more than a few of those bottles. Most of us have. But there is more to Bordeaux than wine. Most business and commercial areas are centered in the relatively small 18th century downtown area. The buildings that line the quays present stunning examples of the architecture of the Siecle des Lumieres, the Century of Enlightenment. The Place de la Bourse typifies this elegant style, with its slate roof, lower level arcades, and carved faces adorning the keystones of the arches. You can also visit the nearby Palais Gallien, a ruined Roman amphitheater; the Grand Theatre, the inspiration for the famed Paris Opera House; and the Musee des Beaux Arts, which features an impressive collection of French paintings. But art and architecture are not the only things the French do well. Gourmet dining is a specialty here, so be sure to indulge in a grand dinner with a fine regional wine. Gourmet shopping, of course, goes hand in hand with dining so take a stroll down the Rue Sainte Catherine, Porte Dijeaux, and the Course de Il’intendance, where you’ll find fresh foie gras, truffles, fine cheeses, and a broad selection of wines to enjoy right here or take home for later.
Onboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre
S.S. Joie de Vivre
Costco Member Reviews
Year Built: 2016
Double Occupancy Capacity: 108
Uniworld’s newest Super Ship—S.S. Joie de Vivre—is designed to reflect the “joy of living” as it cruises the Seine River in northern France. This luxurious 128-passenger vessel is a showcase for handcrafted furniture, sumptuous fabrics, beautiful antiques, gilded accents and every modern convenience. The Salon de Toulouse features a full-service bar and curated antiques from renowned auction houses. Enticing dining venues include Le Restaurant Pigalle, Bistro Saint-Germain and Café Flore. Intimately scaled so it can dock in the heart of Paris, the Joie de Vivre features two Royal Suites, eight Junior Suites, and 54 staterooms, all with made-to-order Savoir® of England beds and marble-lined bathrooms.
Onboard Activities
Activities & Services (included in cruise)
Fitness Center
- Fitness Center
- Guest Lecturers
- Pool - Indoor/Covered
- Bars/Lounges
- Concierge Desk
- Elevators
- Safe Deposit Boxes
- Self-Service Laundromat
Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)
Spa
- Spa Services/Massage
- Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.
Dining
Main Dining Room
Main Dining
Main Restaurant (open seating): This seating option allows you to choose when and with whom you dine. Menus are a blend of classic cuisine with a touch of contemporary elegance, and are created using only the finest and freshest ingredients often brought onboard from local ports of call. You'll be surrounded by the beauty of passing riverbank towns and villages.
Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.
Staterooms
Classic Stateroom with Portholes (Category: CL)
Classic Stateroom with Portholes (Category: CL)
Category: CL
- Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq.ft – 14 sq.m)
- Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center
- Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Deluxe Stateroom with Window (Category: DE)
Deluxe Stateroom with Window (Category: DE)
Category: DE
- Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq.ft – 14 sq.m)
- Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center
- Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Stateroom with French Balcony (Category: FB)
Stateroom with French Balcony (Category: FB)
Category: FB
- Luxurious riverview stateroom (140 sq.ft – 13 sq.m) with a French balcony
- Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center
- Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Suite (Category: S)
Suite (Category: S)
Category: S
- Luxurious riverview suite (210 sq.ft – 19.5 sq.m)
- Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
- Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
- Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service
Grand Suite (Category: GS)
Grand Suite (Category: GS)
Category: GS
- Luxurious riverview grand suite (280 sq.ft – 26 sq.m) with a French balcony
- Grand Suites include handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
- Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, a rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror and a secluded toilet area
- Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service
Deck Plan
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Ship Facts
- Ship Name: S.S. Joie de Vivre
- Year Built: 2016
- Year Entered Present Fleet: 2017
- Ship Class: River "Super Ship"
- Maximum Capacity: 128
- Number of Passenger Decks: 3
- Number of Crew: 54
- Officers' Nationality: International
- Ocean-View without Balcony: 9
- Ocean-View with Balcony: 45
- Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 108
- Country of Registry: The Netherlands
- Total Staterooms: 64
- Suites with Balcony: 10
- Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by
the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations
designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.